Summer picnickers have an easier way to get to Tri-City beaches with a doubling of transit service to Buntzen Lake, Belcarra Regional Park and White Pine Beach.
TransLink is increasing bus service starting June 21 to popular summer destinations in anticipation of greater customer demand as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
Earlier this spring TransLink began its seasonal bus service on three routes: 150 (Coquitlam Central Station/White Pine Beach); 179 (Coquitlam Central Station /Buntzen Lake); and 182 (Moody Centre Station/Belcarra).
Now it’s adding additional service:
• 150 White Pine Beach/Coquitlam Central Station will now run weekdays every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (from every 60 minutes) and weekends every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., starting at 10 a.m.
• 179 Coquitlam Central Station/Buntzen Lake will now run weekends every 30 minutes (from every 60 minutes) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., starting at 9:30 a.m.
•182 Moody Centre Station/Belcarra will now run Saturdays every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (from every 60 minutes) and Sundays and holidays every 30 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (from every 60 minutes)
Other popular warm weather destinations include service to Stanley Park, on Route 19 (Metrotown/Stanley Park) departing every five to seven minutes between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays.
TransLink adjusts service quarterly to reflect changes in seasonal travel patterns based on demand from previous years. It promises to monitor service and adjust accordingly.
For the full list of seasonal service changes beginning on June 21, visit the Service Changes Webpage or use TransLink’s Trip Planner or through Google Maps.
The enhanced bus routes to popular lakes and beaches in Port Moody and Belcarra come as officials crack down on parking and add pay parking to spots at Belcarra Regional Park.
Until further notice, the city of Port Moody has temporarily prohibited parking on Bedwell Bay Road within Port Moody, near Sasamat Lake and White Pine Beach, to support physical distancing recommendations and reduce traffic safety concerns that can arise from park overflow (violators will be fined $100 and towed).
Meanwhile, people who drive to Belcarra Regional Park will have to pay for parking through to Sept. 30, costing park visitors $2 per hour, with no time limit.
Early birds can get a break, however, as no parking fees will be charged between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Belcarra Regional Park, including Sasamat Lake and White Pine Beach, is a Metro Vancouver park. For information and updates, call 604-520-6442 or visit metrovancouver.org.
Buntzen Lake is a BC Hydro recreational area. For information and updates, call the Buntzen Lake warden's office at 604-469-9679 or visit BC Hydro's Buntzen Lake website.
